A new statewide poll released Monday--just one day before the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality--shows a dramatic majority of registered likely voters support for the freedom to marry in Illinois. A strong majority of 52 percent of Illinois voters support legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples, and the figure grew to 54 percent support when pollsters shared information about the summer's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned federal restrictions against recognizing same-sex marriages.

The new poll comes out days before the planned veto session, and on the eve of a planned rally in Springfield for marriage equality.

Organizations and allies in support of Illinois marriage equality have scheduled a march in Springfield for Oct. 22 in order to coincide with the Illinois State Legislature's opening day of the fall veto session. The March in Springfield for Marriage Equality is meant to be a push for marriage equality in the state of Illinois. Participants are hoping for the same-sex marriage bill, SB 10, to be passed by the House. "For me, it's both about showing support for marriage equality and a chance for the movement and its allies to come together for public support," said Tracy Baim, co-chair and co-founder of the event. "It's really about coming together to reinspire and re-energize people for the work ahead."

Will the victory in New Jersey today light a fire under Illinois lawmakers?